Al-Noor Journal for Humanities
Issued by Alnoor University

Investigating AI translation of sexual euphemistic expressions in the Holy Quran into English.

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Abobaker Ali Brakhw

Sebha University

https://doi.org/10.69513/jnfh.v4.i2.a2
Abstract
The Holy Quran employs various rhetorical features to address the issues that people encounter daily. One such device is euphemism, which refers to an indirect word or expression used in place of one considered too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing. Euphemisms are used throughout the Qur'an to handle sensitive issues and societal taboos, such as sexual activity, death, punishment, personal behaviour, and disease. This study aims to explore AI translations of sexual euphemistic expressions in the Holy Quran into English. The study utilised data from sexual euphemistic terms found in the verses of the Holy Quran to investigate the AI applications' translations. The translations of two AI applications (Google Translate & DeepL) were analysed in terms of accuracy and comprehensibility. The study mainly depends on Al-Tabari's interpretation of the Holy Quran to extract the intended meaning of the sexual euphemistic expressions. The researcher found that the disparity in cultural values, social attitudes, and religious beliefs makes it difficult for AI applications to transfer sexual euphemism expressions from the Holy Quran into English. To conduct an accurate and comprehensible translation of sexual euphemistic words, AI must seek human assistance regarding linguistic precision, theological and interpretive knowledge, and deep respect for the divine text.

Keywords

euphemistic expressions
convey
Holy Quran
translation
AI applications
Crossmark
Subjects
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7.Alwasy & Mohammed ) 'Strategies of Translating Euphemistic Expressions from Arabic into English: A Comparative Study of Artificial Intelligence Models with Human Translation'. Humanities and Educational Science J. 2014; 40 https://hesj.org /ojs/ index.php/hesj/index).
Al-Noor Journal for Humanities
Volume 4, Issue 2
Spring 2026
Pages 87-94

  • Receive Date 04 April 2026
  • Revise Date 28 April 2026
  • Accept Date 06 May 2026
  • Publish Date 01 June 2026

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